How to dissolve Wood Glue. Wood glue is used to attach wood pieces to one another. Wood glues are stronger and will hold more firmly than other adhesives, so the bonding agent needs to dissolve the glue.
Acetone works well for this, but you may have to experiment with different solutions if you don’t have pure acetone available.
How to dissolve Wood Glue
One of the easiest ways to remove wood glue from cabinets and other wooden surfaces is by using rubbing alcohol, a substance that easily dissolves the glue.
Just dip a damp towel or cloth into some of the alcohol and rub it gently over the glued-on area until the glues soften and come off easily.
If there are still bits stuck to the surface after you’ve removed most of it,
use a clean shirt or rag with more rubbing alcohol to scrub away what’s leftover and that could remove whatever remains underneath.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a solvent that is safe to use in many household and professional applications.
Often rubbing alcohol is used as an alternative to more aggressive chemicals, such as chloroform.
Rubbing alcohol is commonly used as a way to wash away stubborn glues made from wood, like that found in things like glue sticks or toys.
Merely place a small towel or piece of cloth into a bowl with rubbing alcohol and apply it over the wood glue area.
Gently rub back and forth until you begin to see the wood glue begin to dissolve into the rag or towel.
It shouldn’t take more than two minutes at most for the soap-like substance to be effectively erased from your body of choice’s material.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective way to get rid of dried wood glue stains on a hardwood floor. You can try doing this the next time you have some stain troubles.
Heat the affected area with a hairdryer in order to soften and remove some of the dampness from the surface.
You can then use a plastic spatula or old credit card to scrape off any excess residue that is stuck on your hardwood floor or even your carpet if you happen to have one in the room where it happened.
Apply Vinegar
Vinegar dissolves the glue. Undiluted vinegar works to dissolve wood glue with acidic properties, making it useful on old wood furniture. Diluted vinegar can also dissolve and neutralize mildew.
Apply the solution directly to a rag or towel. Wipe up the excess and allow the furniture surface to dry completely before refinishing.
Soapy Water
A solution of soap and hot water should remove wood glue stains from a painted wood surface. Start by soaking a clean cloth or rag in a hot solution of water and laundry soap.
Place the soaked rag directly on the glue stain and let it sit there for at least five minutes to soften the adhesive wet glue.
Wipe out the softened glue stain and check to see if it is gone. If the stubborn glue stains remain after the first attempt, repeat the procedure until the glue is gone.
Using Ammonia
Ammonia is a caustic liquid that can deteriorate wood. Follow safety precautions such as wearing gloves and goggles to avoid skin and eye irritation when using ammonia.
Use a rag or towel, then apply ammonia directly to the wood glue that you think needs to be removed. Protect the structure of your piece of wooden furniture and dab with towels, do not rub.
Apply De-Glue Goo
Mayonnaise is an option
The wood glue will wipe off waxed wood easily or with the help of a bit of mayonnaise. Take your time, here – you don’t want to ruin the layer of paint on the surface.
Use your fingers and a small amount of mayonnaise be careful not to smear it all over, just dab at it and then let it sit for about 20 minutes to soften the glue.
Wipeout any excess with another clean cloth before applying another layer over the top if necessary. Let that sit overnight before coming back in the next day and wiping off the softened glue.
How to dissolve wood glue
Related Guides
